I had a big complement to my prowess as a woodturner a few weeks ago: Woodworker's Journal contacted me and asked if they could feature some work that I did in an article they were preparing about Ambrosia Maple. I was, and am, quite flattered, and quite pleased. Here's a link to the article:
Mothers Day is the perfect chance to get the moms in your life gifts that say thanks - I mean, seriously, who do we owe more than the woman that brought us into the world, unless perhaps it's the woman who is the mother of our children. So you can wait till a few days before Mothers Day and then run to Walmart and get some token gift that doesn't really say much except that she was an afterthought (been there, done that, sorry Liz), or you can place an order with me now to make something as unique as she is, that says you appreciate her in a personal way. Plus, these things take time to make, so your forethought will be obvious too.
So here are the terms:
$10 off of any bowl, limit 10 bowls,(place order by Apr. 11 for a segmented bowl, Apr. 18 for other turnings.)
$20 off of a Salt and Pepper Grinder set (Place order by Apr. 11)
$10 off of a Salt and Pepper Shaker Set (Place order by Apr. 18)
$10 off of any pen from the "Design Your Pen" page (place order by Apr. 18)
To cash in on this offer, don't use the "Order Now" buttons on my individual items - email me with your order and I'll send you an invoice. Thanks!!
I've had a lot of fun with segmented bowls. Spirals, colorful patterns. The process is time consuming, to glue each ring together, then glue one layer on at a time, turn the bowl, etc. The results, though, have been well worth it - see these award 
winning bowls, or this set I made with Purpleh
eart, for example. But I have wanted to do more - other patterns and styles, and I've wanted to do it more efficiently.
It's never too early to think about what to get your special someone for Valentines Day. It can be too late though. Don't make my mistake and procrastinate till the day of, and then discover that the only thing you can find at the store is a bag of cookies - OK so I would have liked them, but I still hear about this epic fail every year.
So if you want to do better than I did, don't wait. I need Valentines Day orders placed by January 24th in order to make and ship them (US Only) in time. Here are some suggestions:
Gifts For Him
Manly Bling - Pens - I don't like to wear rings, watches, bracelets, or other "manly" jewelry, but a nice pen in my shirt pocket says "class." Thick pens like the cigar pen, Jr. Gentlemen Pen, and Artisan Rollerball are very masculine and classy. All pens are $5 off the listed price if you email me to place your order.
The Man Bowl - It's been said that a uterus is a homing beacon, and I take advantage of that fact daily: "have you seen my keys? Wallet? Cell Phone?" Well, give the man in your life a man bowl and give your homing beacon a vacation. Wood bowls start at $15 for a 6"x2" maple bowl and go up from there depending on choice of wood, size, and shape. $5 off the listed price if you email me to place your order.
Gifts For Her:
Spice it up with Pepper Mills: Men, it's time to pony up - say thanks for the Ipod, the GPS, the flat screen and get your babe something nice that she can enjoy every day - my hand-made pepper mills add class and distinction to the table, upping the standard for the every day dinner, and impressing guests at special occasions. Plus, spicy foods are supposed to have an aphrodasiac effect so it's win-win, right? Just don't tell her that when you give it to her, ok? Trust me - spoils the effect. All pepper mills are $10 off the listed price if you email me to place your order.
So like I said, learn from my mistake, guys - a bag of cookies just doesn't cut it, and don't wait till last minute or it will be too late. Good luck, and Happy Valentines Day!
p.s. I should mention, all of these can be laser-engraved for an additional $30, but you'll have to add another week to the time to complete the order so you'll want to order by January 17th.
